Does Winix Air Purifier Produce Ozone? (Answered)

  • Author: Irene Batres
  • Date: March 27, 2023
  • Time to read: 6 min.

Hey there, are you concerned about breathing in harmful air substances like Ozone? 

If you are, you may wonder, “Do Winix air purifiers produce ozone?” 

This is a great question to ask yourself before purchasing an air purifier, especially if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

Winix air purifiers are designed to clean the air and eliminate pollutants, but you definitely want them to avoid adding to the problem by emitting more harmful substances, right?

Well, don’t worry.

In this article, I will answer all your questions on whether Winix air purifiers produce Ozone, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Does Winix Air Purifier Produce Ozone?

Does Winix Air Purifier Produce Ozone?

Yes, Winix air purifiers do produce Ozone, but only when the plasmawave function is activated. However, the amount of Ozone produced is within safe limits as set by regulatory agencies. 

Some people have claimed that Winix air purifiers produce unsafe ozone levels, but Winix has disputed these claims.

What Is Plasmawave

PlasmaWave technology is used in Winix air purifiers to clean the air. It creates a plasma discharge in the air that can break down pollutants and generate charged particles that the purifier’s filters can capture. 

This advanced technology can eliminate various airborne contaminants, such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, odors, chemical gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

It is often combined with other air-cleaning technologies, like HEPA and activated carbon filters, to provide complete air purification. 

The best part is that, unlike some air cleaners that can be dangerous, PlasmaWave doesn’t create high ozone levels.

Which Winix Air Purifiers Produce Ozone 

ModelEmits OzoneCan ozone be Switched Off?Ozone emission levelsCARB Certified Coverage
Winix 5300-2YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes360 square feet
Winix 5500-2 YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes360 square feet
Winix HR900YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes300sqft
Winix A230YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes230 Sq. Ft
Winix A231YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes230 sq. ft. 
Winix 1022-0214-00YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes360 sq. Ft
Winix AM80 YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes360 Sq. Ft
Winix XLCYesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes620 Square Feet
Winix 9800YesYesunder 0.01 ppmYes500 sq ft
Winix D360NoNoNoneYes360 sq ft.
Winix D480NoNoNoneYes480 sq ft.

Why Do Winix Air Purifiers Produce Ozone?

Winix air purifiers use PlasmaWave technology to clean the air by creating a plasma discharge that breaks down pollutants and traps them in the filters. 

Unfortunately, this process also produces Ozone, which is naturally occurring but can be harmful in high concentrations. 

However, Winix keeps the amount of Ozone their products emit under 0.01 ppm, ensuring you can enjoy purified air without worrying about the risks of Ozone. 

Moreover, Winix air purifiers can turn off ozone production if needed, making them a safe and efficient choice for those concerned about air quality.

Are Winix Air Purifiers Ozone Free

How Much Ozone Does the Winix Air Purifier Produce?

When the Plasmawave function is used, the Winix air purifier generates very little Ozone, which is confirmed by independent tests to be almost undetectable at 3 ppb (parts per billion). 

This amount is significantly lower than the allowable level set by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of 50 ppb. (1.)

Anything under 0.05 ppm of emission levels is considered safe. 

And according to Winix, their air purifiers produce less than 0.01 ppm. 

Is PlasmaWave Technology Harmful?

PlasmaWave technology is safe for humans and the environment, according to available evidence. 

Winix asserts that this technology doesn’t generate a lot of Ozone, so it’s harmless for air purification.

Nevertheless, using this technology for extended periods could be risky for people who are close to it.

In a youtube video that I found Of Roberto Miki, he tested the PlasmaWave feature and could not detect any ozone coming out of the machine while the PlasmaWave was on. 

He also tested another Winix device with the PlasmaWave technology, the Winix C545, and did not detect any ozone while the device was on with the PlasmaWave feature enabled. 

Therefore, according to the video review, the PlasmaWave technology from Winix does not appear to be harmful in producing Ozone.

You can see the video below:

Can You Turn Off PlasmaWave On The Winix Air Purifier?

Yes, you can turn off the PlasmaWave function on the Winix air purifier by holding down the ‘auto’ button for a few seconds. 

The PlasmaWave feature is optional and entirely up to your preference.

Which Winix Air Purifiers Do Not Emit Ozone?

According to Winix, the Winix D360 and the D480 are the only 2 air purifier models from Winix with zero ozone emissions. 

All other Winix air purifiers emit low levels of Ozone that are considered harmless.

Pros & Cons Of Winix PlasmaWave Air Purifiers

ProsCons
Plasmawave technology produces little to no ozonePlasma wave technology may create an unpleasant odor for some users
Carbon filter eliminates unpleasant odorsSome users may still have concerns about the potential health risks of ozone
Remote control for easy adjustment
Quiet operation for peaceful environment
Comes with Smart sensors and they adjust the fan speed accordingly

Final Thoughts- Are Winix Air Purifiers Ozone Free

Winix air purifiers make a bit of Ozone when the Plasmawave feature is turned on, but it’s not much. 

They keep it safe, and Winix doesn’t agree with any claims that their air purifiers make unsafe ozone levels. 

Anything under 0.05 ppm of emission levels is considered safe. 

The Plasmawave technology is used in Winix air purifiers to clean the air. It can eliminate all kinds of nasty stuff like allergens, bacteria, viruses, and chemical gases. 

The cool part is that Plasmawave only makes a little Ozone, which is way below what regulatory agencies say is alright. Which is said to be under 0.01 ppm.

Now, the Winix D360 is the only model of air purifier that doesn’t make any ozone at all. 

All in all, Winix air purifiers are an intelligent pick for folks worried about the air quality. Their Plasmawave technology does its job without making any nasty ozone levels.

Air Purifiers And Ozone FAQ

Which Winix Air Purifiers Do Not Emit Ozone?

What Is Ozone

Ozone is a gas of three oxygen atoms (O3) that can harm humans when breathed in. The interaction of sunlight with oxygen molecules naturally forms it. 

Still, it can also be created through chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, especially in warm and sunny weather. 

Unfortunately, Ozone aggressively attacks lung tissue and can cause respiratory problems. (1.)(2.)(3.)

Does Winix PlasmaWave Kill Viruses?

According to the manufacturer, Winix PlasmaWave technology can neutralize bacteria and viruses. 

Although it’s not a foolproof way to prevent virus contraction, using an air purifier like this might help reduce your risk, as the manufacturer claims. 

Some experts even reckon that certain air purifiers can eliminate viruses by employing UV light or photocatalysis technology. 

The Winix HR900 has also been tested independently and found to reduce the presence of specific viruses and bacteria.

Not just that, but this air purifier is touted to capture particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with an impressive 99.97% efficiency! (1.)

Related Article: The Air Purifiers For Game Room The Top Picks

What Kind Of Air Purifiers Produce Ozone?

Some air purifiers produce Ozone as a by-product of their operation. Ionizers and electrostatic precipitators fall into this category. 

Some devices, known as ozonation or ozone generators, are promoted to eliminate unpleasant smells or purify the air. The catch is that they release Ozone directly into the air. 

Sadly, ionizing air purifiers may pose a threat as they can give off high levels of Ozone that can harm your health. 

Conversely, ozone-generating air cleaners deliberately generate Ozone to cleanse the air through chemical reactions.

(1.)(2.)

Is PlasmaWave Safe for Pets

Winix claims their PlasmaWave technology won’t harm our furry friends or us. 

But, when you first start using the air purifier, it’s best to keep pets away since the filters can release a strong odor. 

Once the filters have been working for a few hours, the smell should disappear, and it should be safe for your pets to return. 

Of course, suppose you’re worried about your pet’s well-being around air purifiers or any other home items. In that case, it’s always wise to speak with a veterinarian.

irene mills author of freshairdevices

(Author)

Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.